In 2023, Vietnam broke the record for durian when export turnover reached more than 2.2 billion USD, equivalent to about 600,000 tons. By September 2024, durian exports had surpassed this record.
According to the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, durian brought in 2.5 billion USD in 9 months of 2024. In general, fruit and vegetable exports reached nearly 5.7 billion USD, which is a record high. Other fruits such as dragon fruit, banana, jackfruit, and mango also contribute significantly to export growth.
Vietnam’s durian exports are booming thanks to competitive prices. In the first 4 months of this year, the average price of Vietnamese durians was 4,662 USD/ton compared to China’s average import price of 5,395 USD. Due to climate, durian is almost grown in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines, or Cambodia.
Durian exports earned more than 2.5 billion USD in 9 months.
Vietnam ranked third in terms of area and output (nearly 1.2 million tons) after Indonesia (1.8 million tons) and Thailand (more than 1.32 million tons) by 2023. According to the General Statistics Office, from 2017 to 2022, on average, the growing area of durian in Vietnam increased by 24.5% each year.
Since July 11, 2022, Vietnamese durians have been officially exported to China through all border gates thanks to a three-year protocol agreement between the two countries. On August 19, 2024, the two countries signed a protocol to export frozen durian, opening up great opportunities for Vietnamese agricultural products.
Vietnam borders China, so transportation is convenient. Logistics costs are low when durian is only needed to transport through the border gate in the north instead of 2 or 3 border gates, such as durian from Thailand.
Experts said that the outlook for fruit and vegetable exports in 2024 continues to be positive. Especially it is in the durian harvest season in the Central Highlands now, which lasts until the end of October.
It is forecast that durian exports in 2024 will exceed 3 billion USD and contribute greatly to the export turnover of Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable industry. Especially, it may exceed 7 billion USD for the first time. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure the quality and quantity and, at the same time, comply with the standards and regulations of the importers.